Bill Meyer's community legacy paid tribute at memorial service

Published 10:24 am, Sunday, July 13, 2014

A photo of Bill Meyer on the program for his memorial service Saturday, which was attended by several hundred people at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

A photo of Bill Meyer on the program for his memorial service Saturday, which was attended by several hundred people at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

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The Rev. Alison Patton of Saugatuck Congregational Church leads the memorial service for William F. Meyer III on Saturday in Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Alison Patton of Saugatuck Congregational Church leads the memorial service for William F. Meyer III on Saturday in Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

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Mark Meyer, Bill Meyer's son, talks about his father during the memorial service for him Saturday.

Mark Meyer, Bill Meyer's son, talks about his father during the memorial service for him Saturday.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

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Former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays adressed the congregation at Saturday's memorial service for well-known commuity volunteer William F. Meyer III.

Former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays adressed the congregation at Saturday's memorial service for well-known commuity volunteer William F. Meyer III.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

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The sanctuary of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church was full Saturday for a memorial service for William F. Meyer III, whose legacy of community activities was paid tribute.

The sanctuary of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church was full Saturday for a memorial service for William F. Meyer III, whose legacy of community activities was paid tribute.

Photo: Jarret Liotta

Bill Meyer's community legacy paid tribute at memorial service

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By one definition, a man's legacy can be measured by his contributions to his community. If that's the case, William F. "Bill" Meyer III could never be forgotten in Westport.

A celebration of Meyer's life took place Saturday at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, a service conducted in conjunction with Meyer's own Saugatuck Congregational Church. His family, joined by hundreds of friends and those touched by Meyer's life and legacy filled the sanctuary, where memories were shared about his seemingly countless community causes and civic volunteerism.

Meyer died at age 85 on June 28 after a two-year bout with cancer.

"We gather to comfort and support one another in our common loss," said the Rev. Alison Patton of Saugatuck church.

His eulogists agreed that his role in a wide range of community activities will be virtually impossible to fill.

"He's irreplaceable," said Gordon Joseloff, former first selectman. "But his work and his memory will be well-remembered for many years."

"We will all miss his cheering us on at the RTM," said longtime friend Velma Heller, RTM District 9.

"I will always remember him as the author of the most famous strikeout call in softball history," said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Steve Axthelm, remembering Meyer's longtime role as an umpire for Westport girls softball. " `Oh, I'm sorry sweetheart!' He couldn't say strike three."

Meyer was hailed as a kind man by several people, as well as a maven of personal service.

"Bill was many things," said longtime friend Larry Aasen. "He was a family man. He was very popular. He was well-liked."

Aasen also described him as restless, which may have been one of his motivations for his intense civic involvement.

"What motivated him to do these things? ... It's a very difficult question," he said. "He considered it an opportunity to make somebody happy and to make himself happy, because he was doing good."

Former U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays said of Meyer, "In my 34 years of public service, I never knew anyone like Bill Meyer. I love the man ... but I never would have wanted to marry him," he joked praising Meyer's widow, Caroline.

"I think the thing that brings me most joy, Bill knew we loved him, knowing that he knew we appreciated him, knowing that he knew we will miss him deeply," he said.